Group creates 'new' community for mentally disabled

Burton Speakman

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, May 22, 2005

Texas New Community announced Wednesday the group has signed a contract to purchase 42 acres located about five miles northwest of Willis on Shepard Hill Road near the former town of Danville, where the master-planned area would be located, TNC board member Kenny Speight said.

The board expects to close on the property in June, he said.

Texas New Community would be an area where mentally disabled people who can do many things on their own and want independence but still need some help can live, TNC administrator Kathy Sanders said.

"What is key here is that in addition to enabling independence for special people, Texas New Community will provide a long-term solution so parents and families can have the peace of mind in knowing that their loved one has a life plan and will never have to face the emotional shock of sudden displacement after losing his or her family caregiver," she said.

There is not a place like this in the area or state, Sanders said.

"These people want to be treated like adults with respect," she said.

"Some facilities exist for low-function people, but I knew my son wouldn't be happy there," she said.

"Our daughter, Suzy White, is 26 and mentally challenged. She works at Kroger's on Research Forest and lives in Copperwood, where everyone is very friendly but also elderly. She needs to be in a community of her peers. This community would be the perfect place for her," said Carol Dahl, a Woodlands resident.

TNC board member Frank Robinson, who is the president of the Town Center Improvement District, said the group is still raising money to pay for construction at the site.

The group has been licensed by the state to run a facility, he said.

Paul Homeyer, a senior associate at Gensler, created the sketches for the planned community. He said he has worked on the project at various times during the last six weeks.

This project is his first chance to create all elements of a community, he said.

Texas New Community is expected to have a town center with things like a tea room, restaurants, a general store and lots of activities, Speight said.

"This is what we hope to see happen over the next 15 to 20 years," he said.

There are several housing options planned, including apartments, houses and one- to two-bedroom cottages for married couples, Speight said. There also will be a medical clinic.

The board is planning for the community to be home to 166 individuals, he said.

Part of the therapy that will be offered at the community will be with miniature horses, Speight said.

"This will also be part of our outreach to the community," he said.

Donations to Texas New Community can be made at 1610 Woodstead Court, Suite 150, in The Woodlands. TNC can be reached by phone at (936) 522-7279.